The government has proposed increasing minimum energy efficiency standards to an EPC band C on all tenancies by 2028 in England. Read below 7 schemes to help fund your property’s EPC upgrades.

• £5,000 for an air source heat pump
• £5,000 for a biomass boiler
• £6,000 for a ground source heat pump

• This loan can be put towards a variety of improvements, such as insulation, heating, draught-proofing, double glazing, or renewable energy generation, such as solar panels or heat pumps.
• Green Deal loans are repaid through electricity bill payments.
• The repayments shouldn’t exceed the savings you made on your energy bill, but that doesn’t mean that your bill savings will match the loan repayments, as it doesn’t take into account increases in energy prices.
• The loan is also linked to your property so it would pass to the new owner if you were to sell up

• If your property has an EPC F or G rating, the grants must go towards upping that rating to band D or above, and the funding for private rented properties will support “the least efficient homes in bands E-G only”.
• You can encourage eligible tenants to apply for the grant to help improve your property energy efficiency “for years to come by installing electric storage
• heaters or fulfilling insulation grants such as free cavity wall insulation or loft insulation grant,” according to UK Energy Support.
• The government has shared that the fourth edition of the ECO “will upgrade around 450,000 homes, most of them to EPC band C” over the next four years.

• Solar
• Wind
• Hydro
• Micro combined heat and power
• Anaerobic digestion

Property management companies are an invaluable element of the investment process. Many landlords overlook the value that solid management can bring. From sourcing quality tenants to ensuring that all legal requirements are met, an excellent management team frees up the landlord’s time to focus on doing what they do best.

An Adaptable Approach

Generally, property management companies work in a very flexible manner. This means they develop relationships with individual landlords, building a working pattern favouring all parties.

Some landlords prefer to work ‘hands-on’ and seek the assistance of a management team only to advertise the home. Whereas other investors prefer to sit back and hand over complete control.

What Does a Property Management Company Do?

Firstly, a management company will advertise the home. This will consist of sourcing a photographer, writing captivating descriptions and creating detailed floorplans. From here, they can conduct viewings and answer any queries prospective tenants may have.

Once a tenant is acquired, the management agency will conduct background checks on the individual and arrange for holding deposits to be taken. From here, they can deal with drawing up the tenancy agreement, ensuring that it is legally binding.

During the tenancy, your management will conduct regular property inspections and deal with any queries the tenants may have. They will also collect the rent on your behalf.

In the unfortunate event that you need to evict tenants, they will handle the legal complexities this situation forces.

Finally, your management company will conduct end of tenancy checks, deposit releasing, and organise the newly vacant property ready for fresh tenants.

Property Management Companies Will Thoroughly Vet Tenants

The first, and perhaps most important, reason to use a property management company is to ensure you have first class, reliable tenants in your property.

Not only do they have the expertise and experience to acquire quality tenants, but they have the process of conducting background checks perfected. Meaning, your property will be occupied by tenants who pay on time and take the utmost care of the home.

Hiring Management Can Save You Money

Understandably, some landlords are concerned they will not receive the return on their investment when hiring a team to oversee the property. However, many are surprised to hear hiring the right team can save them huge amounts of money in the long term.

Firstly, it is much less likely that the property will sit empty, and therefore as the owner, you will not attract the costs associated with void periods.

Secondly, management companies often develop strong working relationships with those who specialise in property maintenance. This means the upkeep of the property can be dealt with swiftly, generally attracting much lower charges in return for loyal custom.

A Point of Contact

Management companies become the first point of contact for your tenants. There is no need for your tenants to have your personal contact information and can liaise directly with the team, who will get in touch with you where necessary.

This relieves pressure on you as the landlord, and gives tenants the confidence to know exactly who they should contact should they have any queries.

Property Management Ensures Legal Compliance

There are many legal complexities related to investing in property.

Management companies can ensure a tenancy agreement is created and signed which benefits and covers both landlord and tenant. In addition to the contract itself, they will deal with all necessary property requirements such as carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.

When to Hire a Property Management Company

You Want to Be A ‘Hands-Off’ Landlord – People embark on property journeys for many different reasons. Some landlords enjoy being in the mix and working closely with their tenants. Others prefer to take a back seat and let someone else handle the daily running of the property. For those who favour this latter approach, a management company will be required.

You Have a Growing Portfolio – For landlords with an extensive portfolio, it can become physically impossible to manage the properties alone. Marketing the homes and arranging tenant viewings is a time-consuming task, especially for landlords who have a career separate from property investment.

You Don’t Live Close to The Rental Home – If you have invested in property away from your location, as many landlords do, you may be lacking the required local knowledge. This expertise allows you to instruct the best professionals for any issues the tenants may need rectifying. Management companies can fill this gap, enabling your tenants to be content in the property.

Perry Bishop are your local property management experts for the the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse area. Contact us today to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

We care about property, we care about you.

Office Employees in the UK now spend an average of 1.5 days in the office each week!

Since the Covid pandemic, more people have begun working remotely, and it’s a trend that looks set to continue. While business owners may have some qualms about the switch to home-working, this flexible working era is good news for buy-to-let landlords as it gives them the opportunity to boost their rental property income. Since hybrid workers have been shown overall to be higher earners, they’re certainly an audience that landlords should consider targeting.

More young workers today are looking to the rental market to find somewhere to live, and many of those are now working from home for at least part of their week. With this in mind, they’re searching for rental properties in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse that are suitable for such duties, and demand is on the rise for homes with clearly-defined workspaces. Whatever size of rental property you own, it’s important to maximise your investment’s performance by tapping into this latest remote-work trend.

Finding a space for home working

While your rental property may not have a separate room to set aside as a home office, don’t write your home off as unsuitable for hybrid workers. The upstairs landing or entrance hall could be ideal spaces for a desk to be located, while an area underneath the stairs could be fitted out for just this purpose. Any of these areas could be the ideal spot for a convenient workspace that’s separated physically from living areas.

Leverage your Living Areas

Since your buy-to-let’s living room is probably the largest space in the property, it’s a great choice for hosting a desk. It’s important, though, not to allow home working to dominate this all-important room – after all, your tenants’ living areas are key to them enjoying their downtime too. If you’re creating a home office nook in your property’s living room, choose a corner or alcove with a convenient power outlet, or look for space behind the armchairs and sofas, so that the desk remains out of sight when the working day is over. You could even consider installing a drop-down desk so it can be hidden when not in use.

Harness the power of a Box Room

If your property has a room that’s too small for use as a bedroom, it could be the ideal spot for a home office. A box room offers a host of benefits, not only as a suitable home office, but also potentially for practitioners or consultants who require a private room for clients. As this room is physically separated from the rest of the property, it allows tenants to close the door on their work day and concentrate on their evening and weekend downtime more easily.

Outdoor Rooms

Although you may never have considered creating a home office space outdoors, adding a garden room to your rental could really add a wow factor to the property and provide a luxurious stand-alone workspace. Not only will it potentially boost your property value in the future, but you will benefit from achieving higher rents in the meantime. Even better, most garden rooms are deemed to be “permitted developments” and require no planning permission.

If you are looking for the perfect tenants for your rental property we are on hand to help. As rental property experts in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse, we will manage your buy-to-let property, saving you time and effort. Get in touch with us today.

How do you update your kitchen on a budget?

It’s fair to say that your kitchen is likely to be the heart of your home. It’s the place where you eat, cook, entertain guests, and spend time with your loved ones. It makes sense, then, to prioritise your kitchen if you’re thinking of making home improvements.

But what can you do to update your kitchen if you’re on a tight budget?

Our team at Perry Bishop is used to seeing some great kitchens – large and small – and we have four fantastic ideas to help you make the most of your space – without breaking the bank.

1. Give your cabinets’ an overhaul

Your cabinets’ surface area is a major part of the overall look of your kitchen, so it makes sense to focus on them when you’re giving your room a makeover. If they’re structurally sound, why not give them a new lease of life by replacing the fronts or even just painting them a different colour?

Chalk paint is an ideal option if you want to cover surfaces without needing to do any preparation first. For an extra way to enhance your kitchen, remove a couple of your cabinet doors to create open shelving for a modern new look!

2. Upgrade your worktops

Apart from your cabinets, the worktops in your kitchen are the largest surface area to impact the room’s appearance. You may think replacing your worktops will be too expensive if you’re on a budget, but if you overlook the quartz and marble options and look at laminate instead, you can get a new look without spending a fortune.

Modern laminate countertops come in a huge range of styles, and some have effects that are difficult to distinguish from the genuine article. Wood effect laminate counters are a great look, and they’re a practical choice too.

3. Consider statement lighting

Your kitchen is primarily a functional, practical space, and with that in mind, you will benefit from some bright spotlights to make sure you can see to cook! However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to achieve a warm, welcoming atmosphere too.

If you’ve got a kitchen island, hang a pendant light We can help you present your property in the best light.as a statement piece over it to bring a wow factor to your room. If you don’t have an island, consider fitting a statement light in the middle of your work area alongside a couple of wall sconces to add style.

4. Change your hardware

One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to upgrade your kitchen is to change the drawer and cabinet handles. There are so many options to pick from including gloss, brass, matte, square, ornate, and vintage-effect that you’re sure to find something that modernises and enhances your room’s style.

If you’re considering giving your kitchen a makeover before selling your home, with Perry Bishop.  We can help you present your property in the best light.

Photographs are an essential step when selling your home and are integral to an effective marketing strategy.

Your photos need to look fantastic and stand out in a busy market. The images need to be an accurate and honest representation of the property, which is why staging your home before the professional photographer arrives is crucial.

If you are not hiring professional home stagers, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your home in the best possible way before we send our professional photographers out to capture your home at its best!

Pay attention to the front of the property 

Even the nicest of cars cause distraction. Remove your vehicle from the driveway to give the viewers the full impact of the outside space and an unobstructed view of the front of the property. Additionally, ensure garage doors are closed. Small changes will make a significant impact on the overall quality of the photography.

If you usually keep the bins at the front of the property, ensure they are hidden away out of any shots. Thoroughly clean windows and windowsills to provide that the all-important front image of the home is immaculate.

Take some time to tidy the front garden, giving the best first impression. Mow the lawn, trim back any hedges and remove any empty plant pots that may be lying around.

Make your gardens attractive 

Gardens are often a huge draw for potential buyers, both those who are breaking free from the rental market and those climbing up the property ladder. Gardens are subject to personal taste, but neat lawns, clean decking, smart patios and clearly defined eating areas are what buyers want, so take time to prepare them before the arrival of your photographer.

Showcase your bedrooms 

Remove any signs that may be stuck on bedroom doors, especially common for children’s rooms. Store away any children’s toys which may eliminate part of your target audience. If you don’t have the storage room, hide them in the car while the photographer is working!

Make all the beds and plump up the pillows. If any cushions are looking past their best, hide them out of shot. Items like this can do more harm than good and make the whole room look tired.

Add sparkle to your bathroom 

Bathrooms and kitchens are the main rooms that can really draw viewers to a home. Simple hacks in the bathroom can drastically elevate your photographs. Simply make sure the toilet seats are down, and mirrors are sparkly clean with no watermarks or smudges.

As bathrooms are often small, create space by being as minimal as possible. Store away cosmetic items such as shampoo, lotions, or razors. The bright colours of the bottles can be unattractive and distracting when photographed.

Remove Kitchen Clutter

Kitchens are the heart of the home, and a beautiful kitchen is often the factor that convinces unsure potential buyers. Clear all surfaces, leaving minimal appliances in view. This will prevent clutter from causing distraction and give the illusion of a bigger and fresher space with plenty of work surfaces.

Don’t distract with electronics

Turn off the TV and any computers and make sure there are no loose electronic devices left on countertops, which are distracting for people viewing the images. The last thing you want to see are beautiful images of your home with a distracting TV show in the corner of the otherwise perfect image.

Let in the light

Open curtains and blinds wide to let the natural light flow through the home. Your photographer will then be able to manipulate the light to show your home in the best, most natural way possible. If you have blinds, open them tilted upwards. This will push the natural light towards the ceiling, allowing it to illuminate without being too harsh for photography.

Give your pets a day out!

Although you love them, it is best to keep pets out of your listing photographs whether it is a cat, dog or hamster, if possible, remove the pet from the home for the whole day, as this will give you an excellent opportunity to clean, ready for staging, and prevent them from getting in the way of the photographer.

In addition to the pet itself, make sure any pet toys, food bowls and beds are out of shot. Furthermore, tidy up the garden, ensuring no waste or pet toys are lying around.

Contact our friendly team today – we use professional photography as standard!

Did you know that certain aromas can encourage prospective buyers to make an offer on your home?

Although it may appear unrealistic to think that a specific scent could speed up the sale of your home, in fact, evidence shows that certain aromas can encourage prospective buyers to make an offer! If you’re selling your property, here’s some helpful advice when it comes to scents.

Why do aromas boost property sales?

While even a delightful scent won’t convince a buyer to overlook a collapsing ceiling or rising damp, when it comes to properties that are in a good condition, enticing aromas help to evoke emotions that can inspire the prospective purchaser to make an offer.

Buyer psyche is an important element of selling anything, and when it comes to properties, it makes sense to encourage the potential buyer to feel as much at home as possible. The sense of smell has been proven to evoke memories more than any of our other senses, and if you can tap into this you can help to create positive feelings that make potential buyers far more interested in your home.

The team at Perry Bishop have been doing some scent research and we’ve come up with the top six scents to try if you want to speed up your house sale in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse!

1. Fresh Bread

It’s a cliche, but it remains one of the most popular smells of all! 37% of people report that the aroma of freshly baked bread would be most likely to encourage them to put in an offer when viewing a property. Comforting, warm, and nostalgic, it isn’t too surprising that this is the top scent contender for a fast sale.

2. Clean Linen

Just behind the aroma of fresh bread is clean linen, with 36% of people saying that the aroma of washing powder conjures up positive feelings about a home. That sense of freshness can work wonders!

3. Brewed Coffee

Although tea may be the nation’s favourite hot beverage, freshly-brewed coffee still takes one of the top spots when it comes to comforting aromas. 27% of people say that the strong and energising smell of brewed coffee would make them feel more positive about a property.

4. Newly Laid Carpet

There’s nothing quite like that new carpet smell is there? So it isn’t too surprising that a quarter of people say that this scent would encourage them to make an offer. Perhaps it’s that freshly-renovated feel that persuades them to buy?

5. Cut Grass

One of the most nostalgic aromas of all is newly-cut grass. Who doesn’t have a positive memory of playing outdoors in the summer, lawnmowers buzzing in the distance, with this distinctive scent lingering in the air?

6. Vanilla

One of the top aromas for air fresheners, vanilla is a favourite amongst 22% of people due to its clean, light, and sweet scent that makes us feel optimistic and comforted. It’s believed that vanilla helps to relieve anxiety and stress too, so if you opt for this aroma during your viewings, you could make your home feel more tranquil and calm.

Use your 6 scents – Maximise your scent potential

Although choosing the right scent for your home during viewings can help to encourage an offer, it can’t work miracles!

For a fast sale, you’ll need to make sure to:

• Keep your property clean and well-maintained
• Refresh the kitchen and bathrooms
• Tidy your garden
• Redecorate in neutral colours

As experts in the local property market, the team at Perry Bishop are ready to give you all the advice you need about selling your home in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse. Get in touch with us today.

On the 15^th of December 2022 the Bank of England raised interest rates from 3.0% to 3.5%. The 0.5% increase was the ninth rise since December 2021 when the rate stood at just 0.1%. It has put the Bank rate at its highest level since 2008 and has applied further upward pressure on the cost of borrowing.

Mortgage costs also rocketed following last September’s ill-fated mini-Budget due to sterling volatility and market uncertainty. Major lenders including Barclays, HSBC, Halifax and Nationwide all pulled deals and brought them back to the market at higher prices.

The appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister helped to settle the markets and the average cost of fixed rate mortgages has been continuing to come down from its peak.

The rates have been dropping and currently you can get a 2-year fixed rate at 4.49% with a 40% deposit, or a 5-year fixed rate at 4.19%. This compares to average highs of more than 6.50% in October.

Currently, long-term fixes are cheapest with the best 10-year fixed rate deal priced at 4.10%.

The average two-year tracker rate today stands at 4.08%, while a typical standard variable rate (SVR) is 6.45%.

At present, there are around 4,000 residential mortgage deals on the market. The number has increased since last Autumn’s mini-Budget when it plummeted to 2,560. Yet it’s still a far cry from the 5,300-plus deals on the market in December 2021, before interest rates began to climb.

A settling political landscape alongside the slight fall in the annual rate of inflation to 10.5% could ease pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates further in 2023.

The next decision to be taken by the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled for 2 February 2023.

So what do rising interest rates mean for you?

The estimated two million homeowners on variable rate deals, such as Trackers or Standard Variable Rates, will see an almost immediate rise in their monthly repayments following the latest Bank rate rise to 3.5%. As an example, a tracker rate rising from 4% to 4.5% costs around an extra £50 a month on a £200,000 loan.

Those on fixed-rate deals, where the interest rate is locked in for, say, two or five years, won’t see any difference in their monthly payments. But when their deal comes to an end, they may find they have to pay a higher rate for their next mortgage because of recent increases in the main Bank rate.

The Bank’s MPC uses interest hikes as a means of cooling the economy and taming rising inflation. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to a heady 11.1% in the 12 months to October. And while it eased back in November to 10.7%, and again in December to its current 10.5%, these figures should be set in the context of the government’s target of 2%.

If inflation remains stubbornly high, some forecasters are suggesting that Bank rate could reach 4.5% this year.

One of the main current drivers behind rising inflation is the cost of energy. Under regulator Ofgem’s energy price cap, annual bills for a typical-use household would have rocketed to £3,549 from 1 October, and further still to £4,279 from 1 January 2023.

But the government has superseded the price cap with its own ‘cheaper’ Energy Price Guarantee (EPG). This limits typical annual bills to £2,500 until 31 March 2023, followed by £3,000 from 1 April 2023 for a further 12 months.

There are certain trends in the housing market that can impact the sale of your home. Click on the link below to read some key trends to be aware of in 2023.

• The rise of remote work – With the increase in remote work, more buyers are looking for homes with ample space for a home office. If your home has a deicated home office or an easily be converted into one , this can be a selling point.
• The demand for outdoor space – Many people have spent more time at home due to the pandemic, leading to a rise in demand for outdoor space. If your home has a large garden, patio area or outdoor entertaining area, this can be a selling point.
• The trend towards sustainability – More and more buyers are looking for homes that are energy-efficent and environmentally friendly. Consider making energy-efficient updates to your home, such as new windows or insulation to appeal to these buyers.
• The importance of technology – In today’s digital age, technology is more important than ever in the home buying process. Consider installing smart home technology, such as seurity systems and thermostats to appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
• The role of virtual viewings – Since the pandemic, virtual viewings have become more common. Ensure your home has a professional video tour and is professionally photographed to ensure your home attracts potential buyers.